Pete Fairbanks joins the Miami Marlins, bringing a powerful bullpen arm and believing in the team's promising, future-focused direction under Peter Bendix.
As spring training is around the corner, there's a certain level of expectation with the Miami Marlins for the upcoming season. After finishing with a promising 79-83 record, the team is expected to take another leap. Despite falling short of the playoffs, the young core proved its ability to compete with some of the best in the league.
The organization needed to add reinforcements to the roster and that was accomplished after signing right-handed relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks to a one-year, $13 million contract. He's coming off a marvelous season with the Tampa Bay Rays, appearing in 61 games, 60.1 innings pitched, 59 strikeouts, an ERA of 2.83, and a WAR of 1.2.
There were multiple teams linked to the seven-year veteran, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, before deciding to move 283 miles south of Florida. It's an outstanding addition to the Marlins' bullpen that was in desperate need of upgrades.
Fairbanks and President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix shared a relationship during their shared time with the Rays' organization. It played a role in the 32-year-old's decision to join the Marlins. As Fairbanks entered free agency with a clear mind, there was some "excitement" about the two-time World Series-winning organization.
"As we moved through the process with several teams," he said on the MLB Network on Friday. "We were able to figure out where we're really valued and get a deal done. You know what [Bendix] brings to the table and what he's trying to build. I had a good, long conversation with him for a couple of days to see the vision that they had. I'm excited about the direction."
It could be a massive turning point for the Marlins as they're not considered a hot destination for free agents. As a matter of fact, Fairbanks' contract is the largest signed by a relief pitcher in franchise history. It could be a strong sign of commitment from the front office building towards contention within the National League.
Based on last season, they have a proven firepower offense to compete with the best; it's the defense that needs improvement, specifically with the pitching staff. If the bullpen manages to perform above average, at a minimum, with the addition of Fairbanks, the Marlins could shock the baseball world once again. The rediscovery of Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara and the emergence of Eugy Perez are expected to contribute to internal improvements.
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